Community Life
Week of September 20th, 2026
Business Meeting Follow Up
Thank you to all who attended the Business Meeting. The revised budget was approved by majority vote. If you would like to look back at the slides from the meeting, they are available here. Please note, the timeline and operational details will certainly evolve, but we still wanted to share our hopes for the future and ask for each of you to join us in prayer for the many things that God has in store for us! If you are interested in being a part of the lead pastor search team, or would like to nominate someone else, please contact Don Boxley: don.boxley@gmail.com. If you would like to part of the Preschool Diligence team, or have questions, please reach out to Jeremy Siemers: Jeremy.Siemers@ColoState.EDU.
Thank you for taking the time be present and for sharing a meal, it is always a blessing when we are able to come together as a body.
Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. — 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Journey Groups
Journey Groups are an effort to leverage this unique season in our church life in ways that build us up communally in the way of Jesus. Specifically, these groups will offer spaces to process who our church has been, the season we are in right now, and who we hope to become as we seek to build a common life of healing and spiritual growth in a season of transition. Led by staff and other leaders of Council Tree, all groups will meet at different times during the week so as to offer multiple options for people to participate. Journey Groups will meet weekly for five consecutive weeks and will gather all together for a final session. No need to sign up or register, simply show up to whichever group works best for you! Click here for more information.
Our Kids Need You!
You - yes, you - are an integral part of our Council Tree Kids Ministry. If you are not currently spending time with our kiddos on Sunday mornings, please consider if this might be the time to give it a try. The kids are incredible and they would love to spend time with YOU! There are plenty of opportunities to help outside of the classroom, as well, so I'm sure we can find a place where you will fit right in.
Here are some promises around volunteering with our kids:
As a new volunteer, you will be partnered with a veteran volunteer to learn the ropes.
You will be scheduled on the same week of every month with the same team of people.
You are not making a lifetime commitment. You will be asked at least once per year if you intend to continue in your volunteer role.
If you serve on other Sunday morning teams (Worship Team, Greeting, etc.), you will not be scheduled for the same Sundays for multiple teams. In fact, Council Tree Kids volunteer scheduling will be moving to Planning Center soon, so you'll be able to see all of your Sunday morning volunteer commitments in one place.
We have a growing substitute list, so if you are not available on the week you are scheduled you can easily find somebody to take your place.
You will need to pass a background check and complete Child Safety Training. You will also be asked to read and sign the Council Tree Kids Safety Policy.
Please reach out to Stacy if you have any questions, or if you are willing to pitch in and help!
Immerse: Messiah
Immerse is designed to help communities experience the Bible together in a unique and powerful way. Over the course of this fall and into the new year, we will read the entire New Testament together! Each week, participants read the assigned reading on their own and then we will gather on Sunday mornings to have discussions where you can share your observations and questions based on the week’s reading. Join us at 9:00am on Sunday mornings for a time of facilitated conversation around where God has met you through His Word each week beginning on Sunday, October 4. To learn more, watch this video that explains the story behind Immerse. If you would like to participate, please order your Immerse: Messiah book in advance and join us on Sunday mornings!
If you've already ordered your book, the first batch is available for pick up in the office!
Donuts and Dodgeball!
Jump in for our first ever Donuts and Dodgeball Fellowship Event! Starting this Sunday, September 20th, join us for donuts, fellowship, and a kids vs. adults dodgeball game right after service! This is a great way to be present with our children and youth and come together to laugh and play as a body. All are welcome! Stay tuned for the monthly scores and join us on the 3rd Sunday of every month.
Women's Bible Study - Friday mornings this fall
This Fall the women will study What Love Is: The Letters of 1, 2, 3 John by Kelly Minter. This 7-session study will begin on September 11th from 9:15-11:15am.
Click here for more info and to register.
What Do We Mean by Covenant?
September 13, 20 & 27, 9:00 AM
What does it mean to be part of the Covenant tradition and how might those roots shape the way we read Scripture today?
In this three-week series, Mike Haddorff will explore the early Covenant movement through the life and thought of P. P. Waldenström and the Swedish Mission Friends.
We’ll consider three convictions that helped shape the movement: a coherent God revealed in Christ, a Christ-centered way of reading Scripture, and a commitment to freedom rather than control in the life of faith.
Along the way, we’ll ask what these roots might mean for us today and how they can prepare us to enter the Immerse Bible Reading experience beginning October 4.
Tools for Navigating Complexity in Ministry - September 19th @9am
We are wrapping up our series of monthly seminars at Council Tree presented by North Park Theological Seminary faculty and staff with an extremely relevant seminar led by Cheryl Lynn Alexander-Bermudez.
Do you find yourself struggling with conflict or decision making in ministry? Covenant Pastor and Director of Vocational Development at NPTS, Cheryl Lynn Alexander-Bermúdez will present a few methods for navigating decisions and conversations within our communities.
Fall Garden Festival
You’re invited to come for a fun evening as we celebrate the end of Harvest at the Council Tree Garden. Come and enjoy connecting with old friends and meeting new friends.
Sunday, October 4 @ 4:00-6:00pm
Kids’ Activities, Chili Cookoff, Face Painting (with Pastor Heidi) and more throughout the evening
Youth Fundraiser: Cider and Donuts (Bring Your Cash!)
Speakers: Rico Lighthouse, the Council Tree Gardener and Debbie Silverman, aka, The Bee Lady
Musical Guests: Beth Lighthouse and Soundcheck
Y'all won't want to miss it! Bring a friend. Bring a chili. Volunteer: Click Here!
Faceplant - October 23-25
Sign up and find more information for the Middle School Fall Retreat! October 23-25 at Quaker Ridge Bible Camp!
Upcoming Preaching Schedule
September 20 - Cheryl Lynn Alexander-Bermudez
September 27 - Heidi Wiebe
October 4 - Heidi Wiebe
October 11 - Lexi Lang
Save the Date
Mark your calendars for these upcoming Council Tree events:
September 19 - Tools for Navigating Complexity in Ministry with Cheryl Lynn Alexander-Bermudez from NPTS, Saturday @9am-12pm
September 20 - What Do We Mean by Covenant? Christian Formation Class, Mike Haddorff @9am
September 20 - Donuts and Dodgeball Fellowship right after service in the gym
September 25 - Women's Bible Study, Friday @9:15-11:15am
September 27 - What Do We Mean by Covenant? Christian Formation Class, Mike Haddorff @9am
September 27 - Prayer for Council Tree @11:45am in Chapel
October 4 - Fall Garden Festival, @4-6pm
October 9 - Women's Bible Study, Friday @9:15-11:15am
Heidi's Office Hours
Tuesday and Thursday - 9am-4pm
Walk-in Office Hours
Monday-Thursday - 1pm-4pm
Other times by appointment
Volunteer Opportunities
From the beginning of creation, God established holy rhythms of life and service for those who follow in God’s path. We each have personal seasons of rest and restoration, and of new life and service. Council Tree encourages spiritual wondering alongside the Holy Spirit to discern what spiritual season you may be in.
If you find yourself in a place where you have margin to serve, we could definitely use your gifts! If you feel God is calling you to explore serving, we would encourage you to start an exploratory conversation with a team lead to find out more.
Click here to find out some of the many serving opportunities that are currently available.
Give Online
If you would like to give online click here.
Weekly Email
Here at Council Tree we believe that living in community is an important part of life.
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